Pres. Obama takes executive action on gun control

January 5, 2016 6:58 pm

By: The Associated Press, Rebecca Turco
Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – President Barack Obama is taking matters into his own hands on gun control.

As Obama announced new executive actions Tuesday aimed at expanding background checks for gun buyers, he spoke of the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, as well as shootings in South Carolina, Louisiana and Colorado — and on the streets of his Chicago hometown. He paused and wiped a tear from his left eye, but tears flowed freely down both cheeks.

Obama defended the steps he’s taking, saying they are constitutional, and that contrary to the claims of some GOP presidential candidates, he’s not plotting to take away everyone’s guns.

Some local gun enthusiasts, though, aren’t so sure. "He doesn’t want to be checked or balanced,” said Craig Lebeau of Sakonnet River Outfitters in Tiverton. “He’s saying, ‘I am the supreme leader, I’m the guy who’s going to put this law in because I say it, not because of Congress.’ If you can’t get it through Congress, it shouldn’t go in."

At the centerpiece of Obama’s plan is a broader definition of gun dealers that must register and conduct background checks. At gun shows, websites and flea markets, sellers often skirt that requirement by declining to register as licensed dealers. But officials said new federal guidance would clarify it applies to anyone “in the business” of selling firearms.

This doesn’t bother John Francis, who owns Competition Shooting Supplies in Pawtucket. “As far as how it affects us here in Rhode Island, it really doesn’t,” he told ABC6 News. “A lot of the stuff that is outlined there, we’ve had in place for many years.”

The president’s plan also includes the overhaul of the FBI’s background check system, including increase the use of mental health information.

U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D – RI) is applauding the president, but says there is still work to be done. "The president did his part,” he said. “We have to do our part in Congress."
Lebeau, though, feels more laws are not the answer: “Criminals by definition do not follow the law, so gun law only targets law-abiding citizens."

As far as how long the president’s actions stick could depend on any future laws in Congress.